Palestinian Foreign Minister Calls India a "Potential Bridge-Builder" for Middle East Peace Process

Shahin expressed hope that India would take a significant role in Gaza's reconstruction and stabilization efforts.

New Delhi:

On Wednesday, Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Varsen Shahin commended India's expanding diplomatic and humanitarian involvement in the Middle East, describing New Delhi as a "trusted friend and potential bridge-builder for peace" between Israel and Palestine.

During an exclusive NDTV interview, Dr. Shahin emphasized that India's history of balanced diplomacy and moral leadership could be crucial in revitalizing the two-state solution.

Reflecting on India's Historical Support

Shahin highlighted India's enduring solidarity with Palestine, noting that New Delhi recognized the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in the 1970s and opposed the 1947 United Nations partition plan.

"Our relationship with India spans decades. India has consistently supported Palestine at the UN and provided meaningful development assistance beyond mere verbal commitments," she stated.

Shahin pointed to India's ongoing projects in information technology, women's empowerment, education, and healthcare across the West Bank and Gaza as tangible evidence of its dedication.

"Throughout Ramallah, India's positive influence is visible - in schools, clinics, and technology centers," she remarked. "India's support demonstrates to Palestinians that friendship is not temporary but deeply historical," added the Palestinian foreign minister.

India's Potential Contribution to Gaza's Future

With Gaza devastated after months of conflict, Shahin expressed confidence that India would contribute significantly to reconstruction and stabilization initiatives. She mentioned the forthcoming international framework for Gaza's rebuilding, where India's technological and developmental expertise could prove invaluable.

"India can make substantial contributions to Gaza's reconstruction - particularly in housing, energy, digital infrastructure, and healthcare," she said. "This represents an opportunity for India's global development partnerships to directly impact Palestinian lives."

Shahin endorsed India's advocacy for peaceful dialogue, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2022 G20 statement in Bali that "this is not an era of war."

"That sentiment perfectly captures our current needs," Shahin remarked. "Starting wars is simple, but making peace requires genuine courage. We hope India will leverage its influence to bring all parties back to negotiations," she added.

Navigating Relations with Israel

Addressing concerns about India's strengthening ties with Israel, Shahin adopted a pragmatic perspective. "We understand India maintains independent relationships with both countries," she acknowledged. "However, we trust that India's diplomatic approach is guided by international law and human rights principles," she noted.

Shahin suggested that India's ability to engage with both sides could position it as a "credible mediator." "We don't view India's relationship with Israel as problematic. Rather, we see it as an opportunity for India to guide Israel toward peaceful resolutions," the minister observed.

Addressing Terrorism, Occupation, and Peaceful Solutions

Regarding terrorism, Shahin firmly condemned all violent acts - whether in India or the Middle East - while urging the international community to address extremism's root causes. "We must universally reject terrorism - in Kashmir, Gaza, or Europe. However, ignoring occupation and injustice only perpetuates violence," she stated. "Peace comes through justice and dialogue, not through military force."

She advocated for a UN-mandated stabilization force in Gaza as a temporary measure to restore order and enable effective governance by the Palestinian Authority. For sustainable stability, she emphasized the necessity of free elections and political unity between the West Bank and Gaza.

"India's Role in Tomorrow's Peace"

Dr. Shahin concluded with an optimistic message about India's potential diplomatic role:

"India commands global respect for its democratic values and peaceful diplomatic approach. We believe India can help shape tomorrow's peace - not by taking sides, but by championing justice."

As the Gaza crisis continues to challenge international diplomacy, the Palestinian minister conveyed a clear message: India's voice, characterized by moral balance and strategic independence, could help resolve decades of conflict - if India chooses to take a leadership role.